Former NBA great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is known for reaching new heights, literally. At 7'2”, he towers above most, even fellow basketball players. He is known for his signature "skyhook," six NBA championship wins, and social activism. After leaving the sport, he has authored more than a dozen books, written op-eds for The Washington Post and The New York Times, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Abdul-Jabbar heads to Cleveland this week to speak at the this year's Arts and Humanities Alive (or AHA) Festival. ideastream's Rick Jackson spoke with him ahead of his appearance. They discussed whether athletes should engage in public political discussions, his memories supporting Mohammed Ali at the 1967 Black Athlete Summit here in Cleveland, and what inspired him to become an author.

Listen to the entire interview:

Guests:

- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, author, and former professional basketball player